Staffordshire Fire and Rescue calls see a fall of 2,500

The number of injuries and deaths also dropped between April 2012 and March 2013 compared to the previous 12 months. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue saw its lowest number of reported incidents across the county. The service says its proactive approach to preventing fires and reducing risk had played a key role.

In the 12 months up to March 2013 crews attended a total of 9,291 incidents compared to 11,654 the previous year.

Sixteen people were injured in accidental fires in homes, five fewer casualties than in 2012.

Accidental deaths caused by blazes in residential properties also went down to four between April 2012 and March 2013 compared to six the previous year.

Chief Fire Officer Peter Dartford said: "The record-breaking figures are a testament to the hard work and dedication of all of our staff who deal with a wide range of emergencies on a regular basis.

"It is also a great endorsement of the effective working relationships we have with the partner organisations we work with to reduce risk and improve the lives and well-being of local people.

"However, despite recording our lowest ever number of incidents we will not become complacent. Any fire or other emergency that causes harm or distress within our communities is one too many. We remain absolutely committed to further reducing the number of incidents."

The service completed 32,256 home fire risk checks, an increase of 4,997 from the previous 12 months. The number of hoax calls dropped from 580 two years ago to 337 last year.